Gutter cover

ABSTRACT

A gutter cover for preventing leaves and debris from clogging a gutter, comprising a central strip having a plurality of perforations disposed therein, said perforations being sufficiently large to allow water to flow while preventing leaves and debris from passing therethrough, wherein said central strip is bounded at either edge by adhesive strips, said adhesive strips having a strong adhesive applied thereto and wherein said adhesive is protected by a peel-off strip.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a gutter guard for a gutter, and more particularly, to a gutter cover designed to prevent the accumulation of leaves and other debris in channel-type gutters of the type having an open top, and even more particularly to a gutter cover easily dispensed and attached from a roll and including a plurality of openings to prevent leaves and debris from entering the gutter while allowing water and other fluids to pass.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Gutter guards, also known as gutter covers, have long been used to keep leaves and debris from accumulating in gutters and from clogging gutter downspouts or pipes. These devices keep gutters draining longer between routine cleanings. Gutter guards come in many shapes and forms, although they are commonly made from metal or plastic. Metal and plastic covers range in design from simple expanded material screens, to a solid piece of material with holes punched in it, to solid pieces of curved sheet metal. Screens simply strain the debris out and let the water flow into the gutter, letting the wind blow off dry leaves off the covers during drier days. Shaped metal covers often are designed with the principle of liquid adhesion in mind, where the curved design allows rain water to travel down, around and into the gutter's through while deflecting leaves and debris

Some of the earliest forms of gutter guards were made from chicken wire. Strips of chicken wire were inserted into the gutter with the intention of keeping leaves out. This gutter guard is highly ineffective, and is difficult and labor consuming to install and keep in the gutter. Periodical cleaning of gutters with this system is also very difficult. This cleaning process is often made very difficult because these screens often have to be screwed into the gutter and nailed or screwed into the roof. Drop in screens are not much better than these chicken wire.

Modern snap-in gutter guards can be made from plastic and are attached to the front lip of the gutter and on the roof side, inserted under the shingles. This type has several disadvantages: it is especially ineffective with smaller debris. This product is usually very flexible and in the fall large accumulations of wet leaves, or in winter heavy accumulations of snow and ice, can cave in the whole gutter guard. It also comes in 3 or 4 foot long pieces resulting in many seams. This type of gutter cover is also difficult to install and remove, and is also difficult to reuse upon removal for cleaning of the gutters.

Hinged gutter guards are made of curved expanded sheet metal material. Hinges are added to allow opening and closing for cleaning. This type of gutter guard has the same disadvantages as the other screens listed above. In addition, the hinged guards do not close tightly on the gutter, the hinges often pop off, and after repeated opening and closing they bend out of shape making them obsolete after just after a few cleanings.

A product currently on the mark called the Leafsolution is something of a hybrid of gutter guard screens. It is made of a sheet of metal with holes punched in it and it also has a fine stainless steel screen mesh. Some of the drawbacks are its cost, difficulty in installation, and the fact that the fine mesh often gets clogged up by small particles. This results in rain runoff going over the cover and gutter in moderate rain storms.

Solid gutter covers are also known. For example, LeafGuard from Englert offers a gutter that works using the principle of liquid adhesion. It has the gutter guard already built into the gutter itself. Despite the theoretical advantages, this system is impractical for a variety of reasons: (1) its high cost; (2) both the gutter and gutter cover are one piece of sheet metal material; (3) debris inevitably still gets into the gutter, and (4) when these gutters need to be cleaned there is no way to access into the gutter.

Leaf Pro is another type of gutter guard that works on the principle of liquid adhesion. The piece of formed aluminum material is hooked on the front of the gutter and inserted under the shingles. However, unlike in a controlled environment in nature, the principle of liquid adhesion does not always work perfectly. Debris often accumulates in the gutter under the gutter guard and needs to be periodically cleaned out. Unfortunately, installation and removal for cleaning is difficult and time consuming. Cost is also a factor, since often the high cost of installing such covers and then maintaining them every year or every few years will exceed the cost of cleaning the gutters without covers several times per year

Yet another type of gutter guard is the channeled gutter guard. One example of such a guard is the PVC product WaterFall. This gutter guard keeps leaves out of the gutters because like other gutter guards it completely covers the gutter, therefore keeping most debris out of the gutter itself. This cover is installed by hooking it on the front lip of the gutter and slipping the other side of the cover under the roofing shingles. Water falls has two to three channels with slits on the bottom of each channel to let water into the gutter. Some of the drawbacks are the facts that this system has a high cost, the channels can get clogged and this product, like solid covers, should be installed by skilled installers. In addition, WaterFall is difficult to remove and install for periodic cleaning of gutters.

As shall be appreciated, the prior art fails to specifically address either the problem or the solution arrived upon by applicant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a gutter cover to keep leaves and debris out of a gutter.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that reduces gutter cleaning frequency and therefore reduces exposure to the dangerous chore of having to clean gutters as many as four or five times a year.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that is inexpensive to manufacture and install.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that does not require installation by a professional

It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that eliminates the need for a more involved gutter cleaning process, which would include removal of at least some portions of the gutter cover system, flushing the gutters with water, and then the reinstallation of the removed gutter cover portions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that can be installed by a person who has never had any prior experience in the installation of this product or a gutter cover.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that may be installed with a minimum of tools and accessories—tools are limited to only a ladder, a utility knife or a pair of scissors to trim off excess gutter cover material at both ends of the gutter.

It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that operates just as effectively in either a concave disposition within the gutter or when pulled tight.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that has a low profile and virtually can not be seen from the ground.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that will work in the extreme heat or cold, during light or heavy rains.

It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that will not collapse into the gutter under the weight of large accumulations of snow, leaves or other debris, while keeping leaves and debris out of the gutter.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that is more effective and efficient in keeping debris out of the gutters and letting water into gutters.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that, because of the ease and speed of installation, may be priced competitively to install if a contractor installs it.

It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that is very low profile and can not be seen from the ground, thereby alleviating concerns of aesthetics.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that only requires removal of a small portion in areas where there is an accumulation of leaves and debris for cleaning, which debris can be easily blown out by a leaf blower during dry weather.

It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that allows for the easy replacement of removed or damaged portions at minimal cost and in minutes.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that can save the average homeowner hundreds or thousands of dollars in maintenance costs and incalculable amount of aggravation, property damage and inconvenience due to overflowing gutters.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that can be installed in a wide range of temperatures thereby allowing for installation by a contractor when it is not as busy, avoiding “rush” periods and costs.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a gutter cover that allows for gutters to be maintained in the summer when the weather conditions are dry allowing for safer working conditions.

To the accomplishments of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a central strip having a plurality of perforations disposed therein, said perforations being sufficiently large to allow water to flow while preventing leaves and debris from passing therethrough, wherein said central strip is bounded at either edge by adhesive strips, said adhesive strips having a strong adhesive applied thereto and wherein said adhesive is protected by a peel-off strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the gutter cover of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to FIG. 1 thereof, the gutter cover of the present invention is provided and is referred to generally by reference numeral 10. The gutter cover 10 comprises a central strip 100 having a plurality of perforations 1-2 disposed therein. In the preferred embodiment, the central strip 100 is manufactured from a very strong clear plastic sheet, preferably 3-5 mill thick Mylar or a similar translucent material and with comparable strength and resistance to wide temperature ranges with high UV ray break down resistance.

While in the preferred embodiment the central strip 100 is made 7 inches wide to accommodate most standard-sized gutters, wider versions and narrower versions can also be provided without sacrificing any of the benefits or functionality of the preferred embodiment. The length of the central strip depends largely on the application, although lengths of 25′, 50′, 75′, or any length up to about 200′ are anticipated. These lengths can easily be stored and transported in rolls and unspooled as needed, therefore allowing for multiple applications from a single roll.

The perforations 102 are specifically designed to allow rain water to flow into the gutter but keep leaves and debris out. The perforations 102 may be disposed in any pattern or be of any size sufficiently large to allow water to flow while preventing leaves and debris from passing therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the perforations are disposed in the middle of the central strip on a 5″ wide perforated surface. It should be appreciated that this width can also vary to accommodate different sizes of gutters.

The central strip 100 is bounded at either edge by adhesive strips 106. In the preferred embodiment, each strip 106 is one inch wide and comprises a strong adhesive protected by a peel-off strip 108, which strip 108 removed during the installation to expose the adhesive strip 106. In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive must be sufficiently strong to securely attach the gutter cover 10 to the fascia board and the front edge of a gutter. It must also be sufficiently water-resistant and otherwise resistant to the elements so as to prevent the gutter cover 10 from separating from the gutter during use.

Installation of the gutter cover 10 of the present invention is quite simple. The gutter cover 10 is installed by first exposing a portion of the adhesive strips 106 on the front edge 110 of the gutter cover 10 and applying it to the outer top edge of the gutter, and then exposing the adhesive strip 106 at the back edge 112 of the gutter cover 10 and pressing the adhesive strip 106 onto clean fascia board, metal drip edge, or the back edge of the gutter itself, one small section at a time. The installation process is relatively simple and quick and can be done in a wide range of temperatures, but needs to be done during dry weather conditions in order for the glue on the gutter cover 10 to adhere and grip properly. The adhesive will adhere and hold in a wide range of temperatures.

Having thus described the invention with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, a perforated drain-through area may be provided to allow water to get through into the gutter while keeping most leaves and debris out of the gutter. The width of this area may vary in order to accommodate different types and sizes of gutters. Types and sizes of perforated openings will also vary. 

1. A gutter cover comprising a central strip having a plurality of perforations disposed therein, said perforations being sufficiently large to allow water to flow while preventing leaves and debris from passing therethrough, wherein said central strip is bounded at either edge by adhesive strips, said adhesive strips having a strong adhesive applied thereto and wherein said adhesive is protected by a peel-off strip.
 2. The gutter cover of claim 1, wherein said gutter cover is stored in a roll form.
 3. The gutter cover of claim 1, wherein said gutter cover is composed of a highly-durable and weather resistant material.
 4. The gutter cover of claim 1, wherein said gutter cover is seven inches wide.
 5. The gutter cover of claim 4, wherein said central strip is five inches wide and each of said adhesive strips is one inch wide.
 6. The gutter cover of claim 1, wherein said adhesive strips comprise a water- and weather-resistant adhesive.
 7. A gutter cover deliverable in a roll, said gutter cover being composed of a highly-durable and weather resistant material and comprising a five inch wide central strip having a plurality of perforations disposed therein, said perforations being sufficiently large to allow water to flow while preventing leaves and debris from passing therethrough, wherein said central strip is bounded at either edge by one-inch wide adhesive strips, said adhesive strips having a water-resistant strong adhesive applied thereto and wherein said adhesive is protected by a peel-off strip.
 8. A method for installing a gutter cover to a gutter having a front edge, said gutter being attached to a roof having a fascia board, said method comprising the steps of: providing a gutter cover deliverable in a roll, said gutter cover comprising a central strip having a plurality of perforations disposed therein, said perforations being sufficiently large to allow water to flow while preventing leaves and debris from passing therethrough, wherein said central strip is bounded at either edge by a front adhesive strip and a rear adhesive strip, said adhesive strips having a strong adhesive applied thereto and wherein said adhesive is protected by a peel-off strip; removing a portion of said peel-off strip from the front adhesive strip and exposing a portion of said adhesive; applying said cover to said front edge of said gutter; removing a portion of said peel-off strip from said rear adhesive strip and exposing the adhesive; applying said rear adhesive strip to said fascia board. 